Life is full of ups and downs. If you mapped your emotional highs and lows over time, the line would inevitably be wavy.
The good news is that the line always goes up after it dips. And while some things are out of our control, there are many things we can do to help ourselves move through the lows more quickly. Here are a few:
Expect Adversity
Research shows that simply expecting adversity makes you more resilient. So instead of shaming yourself when life doesn’t go your way, accept it as part of the human experience and do something to take care of yourself.
Reach Out for Support
Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. We are wired for connection, and allowing others to support us makes difficult times feel more manageable. Talking about our challenges not only helps us problem-solve but also deepens our relationships with people who care.
Learn from Past Challenges
Think back to other tough times in your life. What helped you get through them? What lifted you up? There are valuable lessons in your past experiences that can serve you in the present.
Speak the Language of Needs
Identify what you need to feel better, what you need for a fulfilling life, and what you need in your relationships. Then, advocate for those needs. The quality of our lives is directly linked to how well our needs are met—so make your needs a priority.
Use Your Strengths
When we use our strengths, we naturally feel more confident and empowered. Leaning into your strengths during hard times creates moments of resilience and gives you a path forward.
Life can be tough, but being there for one another strengthens our bonds and gives our struggles meaning. And when we take proactive steps to care for ourselves, we create the conditions for a brighter tomorrow.